Put medicine out of reach of children, police urge after Whitby toddler dies
The family of a 13-month-old Whitby boy who died after he is believed to have ingested a single pill is urging people to make sure all medication in their homes is out of reach of children.
The Durham Regional Police Service said the boy's family encouraged police to issue a statement reminding the public about the importance of putting medicine away in the hopes of preventing a similar death.
Police said in a news release that officers and paramedics were called to Pickering Town Centre on Nov. 19 after the infant stopped breathing. The parents had visited family members before going shopping.
Lock up meds to prevent death, police say
A bedroom door in the home they visited had been left open.
"It's believed that the boy ingested a single pill that was in the unlocked room," police said.
The boy died in hospital two days later and his organs were donated to three recipients.
Police said the reminder to secure medication is particularly important during the holidays.
"As we enter the holiday season, with family visits and children running around unfamiliar homes, those unaccustomed to having children in their homes should take extra care to lock up any medication," police said.
Members of the public are urged to:
- store medication in a place where children cannot reach, such as high up and out of sight;
- put medication away after every use;
- ensure the safety cap is locked, or twisted until it clicks into place, on medicine bottles and containers.
Police said the family has asked for privacy following the boy's death and is not yet prepared to speak publicly.
